Living a Nordic Life with Fiona McKinna

Step into the world of Nordic Grannycore—a quietly powerful aesthetic rooted in slow living, seasonal rhythm, and everyday craftsmanship. In this episode, we explore the comforting rituals that define it: knitting warm gifts for winter, baking with butter and memory, cooking from scratch, tending small northern gardens, fermenting as a form of patience, and taking slow hikes through wild, quiet landscapes.

This isn’t nostalgia for its own sake—it’s a living tradition of care, resilience, and connection to place. Join us as we talk about why these old skills feel newly relevant, and how they off...

After years of living in Norway, I’ve started asking myself a question I never expected: could I ever leave Norway?

In this personal episode, I reflect on life in Norway, Norwegian culture, belonging, and what it means to call somewhere home — while quietly wondering whether my future might eventually take me back to the UK.

A personal reflection on living in Norway, moving abroad, returning home, and finding where you truly belong.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the...

In this episode, we dive into the Nordic obsession with wild swimming—why people across Scandinavia willingly plunge into icy lakes, fjords, and seas the moment summer arrives. It looks extreme from the outside, but for locals it’s pure joy, ritual, and a way of fully stepping into the season. We explore the shock, the stillness that follows, and the quiet magic of cold water in a place where summer never lasts long enough.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life...

Hustle culture is on the demise, and people are beginning to choose slow, intentional living. The days of measuring worth and value by productivity need to stop and we need to start to think about our mental and physical wellbeing and what impact long days and constant work are having on us in the longterm.  Join me, Fiona, in this episode as we explore the benefits of choosing slow living.

You can read the article here - https://www.livinganordiclife.com/post/why-more-people-are-choosing-slow-living-over-hustle-culture
For tips on managing tech -  https://moonlock.com/

For more No...

Travelling with autistic children can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to mean staying at home. In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, I share what I've learned from 17 years of travelling with my three autistic children. From planning ahead and avoiding sensory overload to finding calm in nature and using airport assistance, these practical tips can help make family adventures less stressful and much more enjoyable for everyone.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook...

Buzzsprout Episode Description

What is it really like to live with the midnight sun? In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, we're exploring one of the most remarkable aspects of a Nordic summer: the light. From bright evenings that stretch towards midnight to spontaneous swims, outdoor dinners and the challenge of convincing yourself it's actually bedtime, we'll look at how endless daylight shapes daily life in Norway and across Scandinavia. Join me for a gentle reflection on summer in the north, and why these fleeting weeks of light feel so precious.

For...

In Norway, 15 year olds are given the chance to be confirmed in a traditional ceremnoy and rite of passage.  In this episode join me, Fiona, for a personal look at the time leading up to the confirmation and special day with family and friends.  

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

What happens when you leave the green hills of southern England and make a life in the Nordic north? In this episode, Fiona reflects on the unexpected lessons she has learned from years of living in Norway. From embracing resilience and learning to thrive in long, cold winters, to discovering the Nordic habit of quiet perseverance and choosing joy even during life's hardest seasons, this is a gentle conversation about the values that shape a Nordic life.

Join me as I share how Norway changed my perspective on hardship, happiness, and what it truly means to live...

Keeping chickens can be many people's idea of living a sustainable life with abundant eggs and a fun and entertaining animal in your life.  As much as chickens are wonderful to have around (in my opinion!), there are a plenty of reasons to think carefully about whether you are ready for them.  In this episode I share some amusing and not so savoury reasons why you might NOT want to keep hens.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group ww...

Summer hygge is the softer side of Nordic living, where long light-filled days replace the need for cosiness by firelight. It is found in slow evenings outside, meals eaten without hurry, and the quiet permission to do less when the world feels full of light. This is a season of barefoot moments, open windows, and gentle rituals that ask nothing more than your presence. A reminder that warmth is not only winter’s gift, but something the sun can give too.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
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Simple living isn't about having less and paring your life down to the bare minimum.  It's about wanting less and feeling that gentle shift that is so liberating as we let go of the need to constantly strive for more.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

Spring in Norway doesn’t arrive loudly—it gathers, gently, in signs you could almost miss if you weren’t looking. The first flowers pushing through still-cold soil, bright and determined. Small flashes of colour after months of white and grey. It feels like a quiet promise that everything is starting again.

In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, we’re stepping into those early spring rhythms—the ones that centre around home and preparation. Gardens slowly coming back to life, people out tidying, sweeping, clearing away the last traces of winter. There’s a shared sense of get...

From the outside, Nordic life can look simple—quiet homes, slow routines, and the ideas of hygge and lagom. But beneath that simplicity is something deeper.

In this episode, we explore how Nordic living creates space for presence, meaning, and emotional depth. From nature and seasonal rhythms to silence and slower days, discover why a simpler life can feel richer—and how to bring that mindset into your own life.

A gentle shift in perspective: what if a good life isn’t a louder one, but a deeper one?

For more Nordic living, visit...

Hi I'm Fiona, the voice behind the Living a Nordic Life podcast and I'll like to introduce myself and welcome you to the podcast.  My journey to living a Nordic life began a long way from where I am in southern Norway and a life that was very different.  Join me in this episode for a glimpse into my life in Norway and what brought me here to the gentle, intentional Nordic life I live today

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a No...

Picture this: you’re sipping coffee in a sleek Copenhagen café, laptop open, surrounded not by students but by nomads juggling clients across time zones. Scandinavia has quietly cracked the code—blazing internet, eco-friendly cities, and a culture that says yes to balance. Whether it’s kayaking after work in Sweden or networking in Oslo’s co-working hubs, the Nordics make remote work feel less like a grind and more like a lifestyle upgrade.

Being a digital nomad in the Nordics is something special and different.  And increasingly easier to aspire to.

It also helps to have a...

Boost your wellbeing this winter with Nordic outdoor habits. From friluftsliv and forest walks to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sauna rituals, discover how Nordic practices help reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen the body. Embrace winter like the Nordics and transform the cold months into a season of vitality, calm, and connection with nature.  Join me, Fiona, for some gentle encouragement to hep you embrace winter like you're Nordic.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/g...

Every year on 6 February, the Sámi people, the Indigenous inhabitants of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, celebrate Sámi National Day. It’s a powerful day of culture, identity, and resilience—honouring one of Europe’s oldest Indigenous communities.

The date marks the first Sámi congress in 1917, when Sámi leaders came together to fight for land rights, language preservation, and cultural recognition. Today, the celebration includes flag-raising, traditional joik music, gákti clothing, parades, and Sámi food, from hearty reindeer stew to smok...

Start the new year with Nordic-style sustainability by embracing minimalism, mindful consumption, and slow living. Discover practical tips for eco-friendly home practices, seasonal routines, sustainable travel, and intentional goal-setting. Learn how simple, thoughtful habits inspired by Scandinavian culture can reduce waste, support the environment, and bring balance and purpose to your daily life.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

 Step into the deep midwinter of the Old Norse world and discover what January meant to the Vikings. In this episode, we explore Yule’s lingering echoes, seasonal rituals, blóts, and the quiet endurance of winter. Learn how Norse families kept culture alive through storytelling, work, and community, and how gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyr shaped life during the coldest months. A reflective journey through Viking winter traditions, Norse mythology, and the Old Norse calendar, perfect for history lovers and mythology enthusiasts. 

For more Nordic living, visit the L...

Romjul is that time between Christmas and New Year that might feel a little bit of a non-event.  Here in the Nordics it has a special place and is a beloved tradition.  The beauty of a Nordic romjul is that you can embrace it wherever you are in the world, just as we do here.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

 Christmas is a time for traditions — from family rituals to national customs — that connect us to our roots and bring warmth during the darkest season. In this episode, I share what Christmas looks like in my life in Norway, where Nordic winter landscapes, candlelight, snow, and festive gatherings set the scene.

Join me as I explore cherished family and Norwegian traditions, including pepperkaker (gingerbread) baking workshops, cosy Christmas parties, Norwegian Christmas markets filled with handmade gifts, Advent celebrations, and the excitement of the first snowfall and tobogganing. Blend...

From stormy seas to streaming screens, Norse myths refuse to fade. The Eddas still shape Nordic identity—whispering of resilience, trickery, and hope. These aren’t relics of the past; they’re stories that live, adapt, and bind us across time.

For exciting fiction and inspiring stories check out FictionMe – Read Thousands of Novels for free

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

Self care is more than a few fluffy blankets, an indulgent lunch or an hour in a bubble bath.  It's a deep, sustainable and grown up commitment to our own mental and physical wellbeing.  But how does that look and can we even achieve it?

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

From London to the Mountains of Norway: Ben Ward swapped London life for a remote farm in the Norwegian mountains, and it hasn’t always been easy. In this episode, he opens up about the highs, lows, and unexpected challenges of living in such a remote place, the fame that followed his TV documentary, and the stories behind his life. Funny, honest, and full of adventure, Ben’s journey proves that chasing a simpler life is never quite as simple as it seems. 

You can find Ben here:

www.krokengard.no

Insta...

In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, we dive into the Norwegian word friluftsliv — “open-air living” — and how it shapes everyday life in the Nordics. More than just spending time outside, friluftsliv is a philosophy, a way of weaving the natural world into the rhythm of daily living.

I’ll share how discovering this single word shifted my perspective, teaching me to seek out fresh air and quiet moments no matter the season. From walks in the woods to simple pauses under the sky, friluftsliv became less about activity and more about presence, grounding, and joy.

N...

Join me, Fiona of Living a Nordic Life, as I share my simple and seasonal morning routine in my little corner of southern Norway.  No 5am runs or fresh yaks milk here!!!

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, we wander into the quiet beauty of the Nordic outdoors — not with skis or hiking poles, but with a slower, gentler pace. Discover how Nordic culture embraces the art of simply being outside: sitting on a bench with a cup of coffee, watching the shifting skies, or savoring the scent of pine and sea air.

We’ll explore why “doing less” in nature can actually bring us more — more calm, more presence, and more connection to the world around us. Whether it’s lingering by the water’s edge or enjoying th...

Step into the Nordic forest with me as we explore the story of lingonberries—Scandinavia’s tart red superberry. From ancient traditions and foraging tales to modern recipes and health benefits, this episode uncovers how lingonberries connect culture, nature, and flavour across the Nordic countries. 

Top tip:  For novice foragers eager to know what is growing beneath their boots before the fruit appears, taking a photo with a digital tool to identify berries and wild shrubs can clarify the exact species early in the season.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living...

In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, we explore one of the most beloved Nordic sayings: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” From rain-soaked autumn days to icy winter mornings, the Nordic approach to the outdoors is simple — nature is not something to avoid, but something to embrace.

We’ll talk about how this mindset transforms everyday life, why going outside in all seasons matters so deeply here, and how you can bring a little of that resilient, joyful outdoor spirit into your own routine — no matter where you live.

NEW BOOK n...

Life can be pretty hectic whether we like it or not, but taking back some control can be simple and easy.  One of the ways we can be better organised and make life simpler is with some weekly menu planning.  It doesn't have to be boring with these easy-to-implement tips you can take the stress out of preparing meals and stop wondering "what's for dinner".

Get your Living a Nordic Life weekly menu planner here - https://workdrive.zoho.eu/file/9zsjodd0a506767bd425f9df39c4cc804ec3c

For more No...

The middle of August is the start of the new school year in Norway.  It's a time of excitement and a few nerves, but before school starts we have to get some supplies in.  Join me in this episode as I discuss what my three children need for school.

Hilsen fra Fiona

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
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All throughout the whole of Norway in April, May and June you will people celebrating in a very traditional way.  It's all part of the "konfirmasjon" or confirmation, an ancient rite of passage for 15 year olds.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

Why are people in Scandinavia and the Nordics so happy?  There are lots of factors that contribute to happiness and wellbeing in these countries.  Let's explore why and how they make people here so happy and how we can embrace that in our own lives.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

Creating an edible garden or kitchen garden is incredibly rewarding and it's fun to replant every year, but for something more sustainable that will produce year after year, perennials are a game changer.  Perennials are plants that keep going year after year as they get older.  They are a wonderful addition to any edible garden.  Listen to this episode for some inspiration to get started growing edible perennials.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/liv...

Midsummer and the celebrations around it are a big deal in the Nordics.  We love to throw a party and celebrate the longest day of the year.  It's a beautiful season with long, long days, warm sun and an abundance of flowers and foliage.  In this episode I share the ways in which you ca have your own Nordic midsummer celebration wherever you are in the world.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

It's high summer in the Nordics and we like to make the most of the long day and warm weather.  Let's take a virtual trip out to a special place and spend the day as we would in Norway when the days are long and the sun shining and we have the chance to get away from civilisation and be in nature

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

We are under constant bombardment from social media, magazines, and TV programs to be more and more perfect.  It's exhausting!!  Not to mention terrible for our mental health.  But did you know that you are allowed to be less than perfect?  There are no rules about being perfect and you are fabulous just as you are.  In this episode we explore why trying to be perfect is not ideal and how we can accept ourselves as we are.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
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If you have a longing to visit Scandinavian and experience true Scandinavian culture, but you simply can't get there right now, this episode is for you.  You don't need to travel to Scandinavia to enjoy some Scandinavian culture.  In the US there are some cities that are so Scandinavian that you believe that you are Sweden or Norway, or even Finland.

To read the full article go to https://www.livinganordiclife.com/post/six-us-cities-where-scandinavian-culture-thrives

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a No...

The Nordic approach to health rarely focusses on one part of the body, but more on the whole body and mind.  Women's health in particular shows this with high quality of life, long lives and general good health in the Nordics.  But we don't need to live in the Nordics to embrace the same holistic approach to our health.  Join me, Fiona, in this episode as I share the ways in which Nordic women make the most of good health.

You might also enjoy the accompanying blog post:
https://www.livinganordiclife.com/post/nordic-wisdom-the-holistic-approach-to-women-s-health

Not all Easter traditions revolve around the festival of Easter itself.  In the Nordics there are some fun and less conventional traditions that happen at Easter at a time when we are beginning to get longer days, warmer weather and time to spend outside in nature.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife